The Bull Bear Trader discusses market events and news with an interest in understanding risk and return in both bull and bear markets. Discussion topics include trading and hedging strategies, derivatives, risk management, hedge funds, quantitative finance, the energy and commodity markets, and private equity, as well as an occasional investment opinion.

Wikinvest Wire

Payroll numbers down 80,000 in March, after falling 76,000 in both January and March. Government hiring kept the number from falling below 100,000 in losses. The unemployment rate was up 0.3% to 5.1%. Average hourly earnings increased 0.3% to $17.86 per hour, up 3.6% from last year. Futures are selling off after an initial spike right before the number (probably some nervous shorts covering positions).